The Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation (“Churchill Charities”) today announced the first annual “Poker for Ponies”, a Poker Run and Raffle, which will be held at Churchill Downs’ Gate 10 on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, beginning at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

Car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts who wish to participate will get a chance to road rally from Gate 10 at Churchill Downs to four checkpoints, with the fifth checkpoint back at Churchill Downs. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning hand.

Live Bluegrass music will be provided by Steve Norman and The Shades of Grass, exciting raffles will be ongoing and a best of show award will be presented at 1 p.m. with cash-basis catering provided by Post-Time Kitchen beginning at 8:30 a.m. through the conclusion of the Poker Run.

The event is being run by volunteers from Churchill Charities, Kentucky Equine Humane Center (“KyEHC”), Churchill Downs and other community volunteers. All proceeds will benefit KyEHC, which provides humane treat­ment and shelter while seeking adoptive homes for all of Kentucky’s unwanted equines and raises awareness for responsible equine ownership. KyEHC has provided shelter and care for more than 600 horses since opening its doors in April 2007.

“We wanted to create a unique family-friendly experience under the Twin Spires for the benefit of our equine athletes,” Churchill Downs Incorporated Vice President and Churchill Charities Executive Director Liz Harris said. “We’re hoping for a crisp fall day and great turnout for this inaugural event and are grateful for our sponsor, Churchill Downs.”

Registration and raffles will be open at Churchill Downs’ Gate 10 at 8:30 a.m. with the Poker Run beginning at 9 a.m., and a staggered start for those signing up through the morning. Registration is $25 for each Poker Run hand dealt, or $20 if pre-registered by Sept. 21, 2011. The event is free to friends, spectators and non-entrants, who may elect to participate in the numerous raffles.

The Churchill Downs Incorporated Foundation (“Churchill Charities”) is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization founded by Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2001 to support charitable organizations that assist the horse racing and gaming industries, as well as non-profit organizations that promote public welfare, education and the arts. Information about Churchill Charities can be found at www.ChurchillDownsIncorporated.com/Foundation or by e-mailing: Foundation@kyderby.com.